### USDA Closes Southern Border to Livestock Imports Amid New World Screwworm Threat The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has once again halted cattle imports from Mexico due to the alarming northward spread of the New World screwworm fly, a parasitic insect that poses a significant threat to livestock health. The recent detection of this fly approximately 350 miles south of the U.S. border has raised biosecurity concerns, prompting Texas Agriculture Commissioner to prioritize the issue. The USDA's decision reflects ongoing efforts to protect the U.S. cattle industry from potential economic devastation caused by this flesh-eating parasite, which has previously decimated cattle populations in affected areas [https://www.kbtx.com/2025/07/15/usda-halts-cattle-imports-again-texas-ag-commissioner-calls-new-world-screwworm-top-priority][https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/what-is-the-new-world-screwworm-fly-and-why-the-us-has-issued-a-livestock-ban-at-the-mexico-border/articleshow/122431641.cms]. ### Overview of the Situation and Response 1. **Detection of New World Screwworm**: The New World screwworm fly has been detected closer to the U.S. border than previously reported, leading to the reinstatement of the livestock import ban from Mexico [https://english.mathrubhumi.com/news/world/what-is-the-new-world-screwworm-fly-and-why-has-the-us-closed-its-border-to-mexican-livestock-again-abcllr52]. 2. **Economic Implications**: The USDA is concerned about the economic impact on the U.S. cattle industry, which relies heavily on imports from Mexico. The agency is planning to allocate nearly $30 million for sterile fly breeding and release programs to combat the screwworm threat [https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/global-trends/millions-of-flies-to-rain-from-us-planes-heres-why-washington-may-make-this-wild-move/articleshow/122407841.cms]. 3. **Biosecurity Measures**: The U.S. has implemented strict biosecurity measures, including the closure of southern border ports to livestock imports, to prevent the spread of the screwworm [https://www.themirror.com/news/us-news/closes-southern-border-livestock-after-1260590]. 4. **International Cooperation**: Both the U.S. and Mexican authorities are working together to control the outbreak and prevent further spread of the screwworm, with ongoing efforts in Mexican eradication zones [https://www.abc27.com/news/us-world/business/ap-us-has-reclosed-its-southern-border-after-a-flesh-eating-parasite-is-seen-further-north-in-mexico]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Detection Locations**: The New World screwworm was found about 350 miles south of the U.S. border, previously reported at 700 miles south [https://www.kbtx.com/2025/07/15/usda-halts-cattle-imports-again-texas-ag-commissioner-calls-new-world-screwworm-top-priority]. - **Economic Impact**: In 2024, Mexico exported over one million head of cattle to the U.S., highlighting the significance of this trade [https://fortune.com/2025/07/10/mexico-barred-sending-cattle-us-test-positive-flesh-eating-new-world-screwworm]. - **Funding for Control Measures**: The USDA plans to invest nearly $30 million in sterile fly breeding and release programs to mitigate the threat posed by the screwworm [https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/global-trends/millions-of-flies-to-rain-from-us-planes-heres-why-washington-may-make-this-wild-move/articleshow/122407841.cms]. ### Conclusion and Implications In summary, the U.S. has taken decisive action to close its southern border to livestock imports in response to the New World screwworm threat. This decision is driven by the need to protect the U.S. cattle industry from potential economic losses and to ensure biosecurity. The situation underscores the importance of international cooperation in managing agricultural pests and safeguarding livestock health. 1. **Immediate Action**: The USDA's closure of the border is a critical step in preventing the spread of the New World screwworm. 2. **Economic Considerations**: The potential economic impact on the U.S. cattle industry is significant, necessitating robust control measures. 3. **Collaborative Efforts**: Ongoing cooperation between U.S. and Mexican authorities is essential for effective management of the outbreak. The situation remains fluid, and continued monitoring and response efforts will be crucial in addressing this agricultural threat [https://www.kbtx.com/2025/07/15/usda-halts-cattle-imports-again-texas-ag-commissioner-calls-new-world-screwworm-top-priority][https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/what-is-the-new-world-screwworm-fly-and-why-the-us-has-issued-a-livestock-ban-at-the-mexico-border/articleshow/122431641.cms].